(Columbia) April 23, 2003 - A commission would have a
year to design an anti-abortion monument. It would be a
six foot statue on a two foot base, similar to the
George Washington on the State House steps.
The nation's first president, Senator Ben Tillman and
Strom Thurmond are leaders recognized for achievements
and have monuments on the State House grounds.
Rep. Thomas Keegan (R) Horry, says the anti-abortion
monument proposed for the grounds makes a different
statement, "Those that have great potential, but are
never born because of a decision many regret."
A House bill calls for "a six foot statue of an
unborn child...on State House grounds, visible from the
roadway." The bill requires a commission responsible for
the monument to raise private funds and receive gifts
and grants to build the memorial in honor of "unborn
children who have given their lives because of legal
abortion."
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D) Orangeburg, voted against
the bill, but was outnumbered in the House Ways and
Means Committee, "Here we are cutting schools, laying
off state workers on one hand. On the other hand,
passing legislation for a monument that honors a
fetus."
Keegan supported it, "It would show
the courage for the legislature and the state in
recognizing this is a serious problem."
Johnny Gardner is a pro-life fixture outside the
State House, though signs of his support don't resound
with every State House visitor.
Comments from State House visitors WIS spoke to ran
from, "I think it may be an affront to the public who
each has their own belief on the issue," to, "I think it
will help people know South Carolina still has some
morals, values, some ethics left," and, "If you're
pro-life or pro-choice, don't push it on someone
else."
Gardner believes it would be good publicity, "I
believe it would be a tourist attraction. No other state
in our nation has such a monument."
The bill passed the House subcommittee and could hit
the floor of the House next week. The sponsor of the
bill, Rep. Ralph Davenport (R) Spartanburg, says he
expects it will be sent back to
subcommittee.
If it does
pass, it still needs approval of the Senate.
The state would be responsible for maintaining the
new monument along with others already on the grounds.
By Megan
Hughes
Updated 6:11pm by BrettWitt
